Is Neptune Apex worth to get for 55 gallon long reef?

I have 55 gallon long tank with the measurement of 48x13x20 and 20 gallon sump. I put my tank in garage. I have a friend who said that having apex in 55 gallon tank is useless and she also that unless I have bigger tank like 100+ gallon and then its worth to get. What are you guys's thought on having neptune apex for smaller tank like 55 gallon tank? Beside Neptune apex, what are other controller out there?